Dermal Fillers FAQ

1. What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are used for facial aesthetic treatments and are injected into the skin. They are designed to effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles, contour and create volume, and to revitalise the skin. Dermal fillers are based on Hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a substance that naturally exists in your body.

2. What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that exists naturally in almost all living organisms. It binds water and can act as a lubricant and shock absorber in movable parts of the body such as joints. It is also important for the transport of nutrients and in regulating water balance in skin.

3. How do dermal fillers work?

By boosting the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers revitalise and add volume to the skin, instantly diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and giving a natural softer look. Dermal fillers are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent.

4. What are the benefits of dermal filler?

Dermal filler injections provide an easy way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smooth the skin and give a more youthful appearance. The result of a single treatment can be seen instantly and can last for around 6 to 9 months. Dermal filler injections can give a natural looking result that does not affect facial expression. As your face changes over time, dermal fillers allow you to control you looks subtly as you age.

5. Is dermal filler treatment safe?

The dermal filler used for treatments at Highgate Cosmedics is the Vycross Range From Allergan, which is the most scientifically documented HA based dermal filler in the world with comprehensive studies that support its safety and efficacy. Vycross has been used in over 10 million treatments worldwide during the last twelve years. It is safe. Dermal Filler resembles the body’s own hyaluronic acid, which reduces the risk of allergic reaction. The Juvederm range is the most tried and tested HA dermal filler available today.

6. What areas can be treated?

Dermal fillers can be used to smooth away facial lines and wrinkles, create fuller lips and shape facial contours, such as cheeks and chin, and revitalise the skin.

Nose to mouth lines (the nasolabial folds)

Corners of the mouth (marionette lines)

Between the eyebrows (the glabella lines)

Lips (adding volume and shape)

Cheeks

7. What does dermal filler treatment involve?

Before Treatment
During the initial consultation at Highgate cosmedics , the doctor will discuss your treatment expectations. After discussion of what you wish to achieve and assessment of your treatment needs, the doctor will recommend which dermal filler treatment is most suitable for you.

After the consultation, and if you are happy to proceed, your practitioner will help you complete a medical history form and you will need to sign a consent form before treatment can progress.

During Treatment
Dermal filler is injected into the skin in small amounts using a very fine needle. The gel provides natural volume to smooth away the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enhance facial shape, or create fuller lips. Dermal filler products improve the elasticity and texture of skin, restoring and maintaining the skins hydrobalance. The treatment is quick, typically taking about 15-30 minutes. Treatment with dermal fillers do not affect facial expression and the benefits can normally be seen instantly.

After Care
Dermal filler products are biodegradable, which means they will naturally disappear in the body. To ensure an optimal and long lasting result, a top-up treatment is recommended 6-12 months after your initial treatment. Discuss with your practitioner when a follow-up appointment may be appropriate.

After a treatment some reactions might occur, these include; are slight redness, swelling, itching, bruising, pain and tenderness. The reactions are generally mild to moderate and usually disappear shortly after injection. They typically resolve spontaneously within one or two days, but for some treatments they may last longer.

8. How long does a dermal filler treatment last?

One of the great advantages of dermal filler treatment is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. Duration depends on many factors, such as the individual’s skin type, skin condition lifestyle and age. After the initial treatment, follow-up sessions are normally recommended around every 6 to 12 months depending on the individual and the treatment. A treatment of the lips lasts about 6 months.

9. Can everybody use dermal fillers?

Most people can benefit from dermal filler treatment. If you wish to:
reduce lines and wrinkles
create more defined or fuller lips,
define the contours of your face, such as chin or cheek,
boost your skin’s vitality, for a healthier more hydrated skin tone (e.g. face, hands, n